U.S. patent application number 13/959048 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-05 for grounding electrical connector.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hubbell Incorporated. Invention is credited to Paul KOVALOV.
Application Number | 20150034362 13/959048 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51265634 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150034362 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOVALOV; Paul |
February 5, 2015 |
Grounding Electrical Connector
Abstract
An electrical connector includes a base member and first and
second legs extending outwardly from the base member. A first
recess is defined by the first and second legs for receiving a
support. Second recesses extend inwardly from second sides of the
first and second legs. A plurality of pairs of oppositely disposed
grooves are formed in the second recesses. At least two pairs of
the oppositely disposed grooves have different sizes for receiving
various conductor sizes.
Inventors: |
KOVALOV; Paul; (Manchester,
NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hubbell Incorporated |
Shelton |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51265634 |
Appl. No.: |
13/959048 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
174/126.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 4/646 20130101;
H01R 4/22 20130101; H01R 4/24 20130101; H01R 27/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
174/126.1 |
International
Class: |
H01R 27/02 20060101
H01R027/02 |
Claims
1. An electrical connector, comprising: a base member; first and
second legs extending outwardly from said base member; a first
recess defined by said first and second legs for receiving a
support; second recesses extending inwardly from second sides of
said first and second legs; and a plurality of oppositely disposed
grooves formed in said second recesses, at least two pairs of said
oppositely disposed grooves having different sizes for receiving
various conductor sizes.
2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said
first recess includes first recesses extending inwardly from first
sides of said first and second legs.
3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said
first and second legs extend substantially perpendicularly from
said base member.
4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said
first sides of said first and second legs are opposite said second
sides of said first and second legs.
5. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said
electrical connector is unitarily formed as a single piece.
6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein a channel
member is connected to said base member and a channel extends
between each pair of said oppositely disposed grooves to facilitate
receiving the conductor.
7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein said
channel member has a fixed end connected to said base member and a
free end.
8. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein each of
said second recesses has upper and lower flexible tabs extending
outwardly from said respective leg and toward one another.
9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, wherein said
plurality of grooves are formed in free ends of said upper and
lower flexible tabs of said second recesses.
10. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein each of
said first recesses has upper and lower flexible tabs extending
outwardly from said respective leg and toward one another.
11. The electrical connector according to claim 10, wherein a
distance between free ends of said upper and lower flexible tabs of
said first recesses of said first and second legs decreases toward
a closed end of said second recesses.
12. The electrical connector according to claim 8, wherein a
distance between free ends of said upper and lower flexible tabs of
said second recesses of said first and second legs decreases toward
a closed end of said first recesses.
13. The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein each of
said channels has a size corresponding to said oppositely disposed
grooves between which said channel extends.
14. The electrical connector according to claim 10, wherein said
second recesses are disposed between said first recesses and said
base member.
15. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein sides of
said channel member are spaced inwardly from said first and second
legs.
16. An electrical connector, comprising: a base member; first and
second legs extending outwardly from said base member; first
recesses extending inwardly from first sides of said first and
second legs, said first recesses being connectable to a support;
first pairs of upper and lower flexible tabs extending outwardly
from upper and lower sides of said first recesses in said first and
second legs and toward one another; second recesses extending
inwardly from second sides of said first and second legs; second
pairs of upper and lower flexible tabs extending outwardly from
upper and lower sides of said second recesses in said first and
second legs and toward one another; a plurality of oppositely
disposed grooves formed in free ends of said second pairs of upper
and lower flexible tabs, at least two pairs of said oppositely
disposed grooves having different sizes for receiving various
conductor sizes; and a channel member connected to said base member
and having a channel extending between each pair of oppositely
disposed grooves to facilitate receiving a conductor.
17. The electrical connector according to claim 16, wherein said
electrical connector is unitarily formed as a single piece.
18. The electrical connector according to claim 16, wherein said
channel member has a fixed end connected to said base member and a
free end.
19. The electrical connector according to claim 16, wherein said
second recesses are disposed between said first recesses and said
base member.
20. The electrical connector according to claim 16, wherein each of
said channels has a size corresponding to said oppositely disposed
grooves between which said channel extends.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a grounding
electrical connector. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a toolless and hardwareless (i.e., without separate
fasteners) grounding electrical connector that is connectable to a
support. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to
a grounding electrical connector that receives various conductor
sizes and connects to various support thicknesses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Grounding electrical connectors, such as lay-in lugs, are
typically used for installation of a ground conductor. A fastener
opening in a first portion receives a fastener to secure the
connector to a support. A second fastener opening receives a set
screw that extends into an opening that receives the ground
conductor. The set screw engages the received ground conductor to
secure the ground conductor thereto.
[0003] One disadvantage associated with existing grounding
electrical connectors is that connecting the grounding electrical
connector to the support can be a time-consuming task. A
corresponding fastener hole must be formed in the support such that
it can receive the fastener. Supports typically have a
non-conductive coating that must be removed prior to connecting the
grounding electrical connector. An installer must have the proper
tools to form the fastener hole in the support and remove the
non-conductive coating, as well as carrying the proper fasteners to
secure the grounding electrical connector to the support.
Accordingly, a need exists for a grounding electrical connector
that is quickly and easily connected to a support.
[0004] The installer must also emply another fastener, typically a
set screw, that secures the ground conductor to the grounding
electrical connector. The set screw can loosen over time, which can
be accelerated by movement of the conductor, thereby adversely
affecting the integrity of the ground connection. Some existing
grounding electrical connectors are formed from several components,
some of which are movable, thereby further increasing the number of
parts that the installer must have on hand during installation.
Accordingly, a need exists for a grounding electrical connector
having few components that is simple to install.
[0005] Precise torques or tools are often required to properly
install existing grounding electrical connectors and secure
grounding conductors thereto. The necessary tools required for
installation increases the inventory of necessary parts to be
carried by the installer, as well as increasing the difficulty of
the installation. Accordingly, a need exists for a toolless
grounding electrical connector.
[0006] Existing grounding electrical connectors are expensive due
to machining, plating and the use of copper. Accordingly, a need
exists for an inexpensive grounding electrical connector that is
easily manufactured.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved
grounding electrical connector.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
grounding electrical connector that is quickly and easily connected
to a support.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
grounding electrical connector that is inexpensive, has few parts
and is easily manufactured.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
grounding electrical connector that is toollessly and
hardwarelessly connectable to a support.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
grounding electrical connector that toollessly and hardwarelessly
secures a ground conductor thereto.
[0012] The foregoing objectives are basically attained by a
grounding electrical connector including a base member and first
and second legs extending outwardly from the base member. A first
recess is defined by the first and second legs for receiving a
support. Second recesses extend inwardly from second sides of the
first and second legs. A plurality of pairs of oppositely disposed
grooves are formed in the second recesses. At least two pairs of
the oppositely disposed grooves have different sizes for receiving
various conductor sizes.
[0013] The foregoing objectives are also basically attained by an
electrical connecting including a grounding electrical connector
having a base member and first and second legs extending outwardly
from the base member. First recesses extend inwardly from first
sides of the first and second legs. The first recesses are
connectable to a support. First pairs of upper and lower flexible
tabs extend outwardly from upper and lower sides of the first
recesses in the first and second legs and toward one another.
Second recesses extend inwardly from second sides of the first and
second legs. Second pairs of upper and lower flexible tabs extend
outwardly from upper and lower sides of the second recesses in the
first and second legs and toward one another. A plurality of
oppositely disposed grooves are formed in free ends of the second
pairs of upper and lower flexible tabs. At least two pairs of the
oppositely disposed grooves have different sizes for receiving
various conductor sizes. A channel member is connected to the base
member and has a channel extending between each pair of oppositely
disposed grooves to facilitate receiving a conductor.
[0014] Objects, advantages, and salient features of the invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description,
which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses
exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] As used in this application, the terms "front," "rear,"
"upper," "lower," "upwardly," "downwardly," and other orientational
descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of the
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and are not
intended to limit the structure thereof to any particular position
or orientation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above benefits and other advantages of the various
embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the
following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the
present invention and from the accompanying drawing figures, in
which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grounding electrical
connector in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the electrical
connector assembly of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the electrical connector of
FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the electrical connector of
FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 1 connected to a support and receiving a
conductor;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a lower perspective view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 7;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 7;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 7;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 7;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a grounding electrical
connector in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the electrical connector of
FIG. 12;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 12;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 12;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 12;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the electrical connector of
FIG. 12;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 12 connected to a support and receiving a
conductor;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 18;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the electrical connector
connected to the support of FIG. 18;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 18;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 18;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 18;
[0040] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the electrical connector
connected to the support of FIG. 18;
[0041] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a grounding electrical
connector in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0042] FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the electrical connector of
FIG. 25;
[0043] FIG. 27 is a rear elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 25;
[0044] FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 25;
[0045] FIG. 29 is a front elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 25;
[0046] FIG. 30 is a bottom plan view of the electrical connector of
FIG. 25;
[0047] FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 25 connected to a support and receiving a
conductor;
[0048] FIG. 32 is a rear perspective view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 31;
[0049] FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the electrical connector
connected to the support of FIG. 31;
[0050] FIG. 34 is a rear elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 31;
[0051] FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 31;
[0052] FIG. 36 is a front elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 31;
[0053] FIG. 37 is a bottom plan view of the electrical connector
connected to the support of FIG. 31;
[0054] FIG. 38 is an upper perspective view of a grounding
electrical connector in accordance with a fourth exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 39 is a lower perspective view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 38;
[0056] FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the electrical connector of
FIG. 38;
[0057] FIG. 41 is a rear elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 38;
[0058] FIG. 42 is a side elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 38;
[0059] FIG. 43 is a front elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 38;
[0060] FIG. 44 is a bottom plan view of the electrical connector of
FIG. 38;
[0061] FIG. 45 is a front perspective view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 38 connected to a support and receiving a
conductor;
[0062] FIG. 46 is a rear perspective view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 45;
[0063] FIG. 47 is a top plan view of the electrical connector
connected to the support of FIG. 45;
[0064] FIG. 48 is a rear elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 45;
[0065] FIG. 49 is a side elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 45;
[0066] FIG. 50 is a front elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 45;
[0067] FIG. 51 is a bottom plan view of the electrical connector
connected to the support of FIG. 45;
[0068] FIG. 52 is an upper perspective view of a grounding
electrical connector in accordance with a fifth exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0069] FIG. 53 is a lower perspective view of the grounding
electrical connector of FIG. 52;
[0070] FIG. 54 is a top plan view of the electrical connector of
FIG. 52;
[0071] FIG. 55 is a rear elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 52;
[0072] FIG. 56 is a side elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 52;
[0073] FIG. 57 is a front elevational view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 52;
[0074] FIG. 58 is a bottom plan view of the electrical connector of
FIG. 52;
[0075] FIG. 59 is a front perspective view of the electrical
connector of FIG. 52 connected to a support and receiving a
conductor;
[0076] FIG. 60 is a rear perspective view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 59;
[0077] FIG. 61 is a top plan view of the electrical connector
connected to the support of FIG. 59;
[0078] FIG. 62 is a rear elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 59;
[0079] FIG. 63 is a side elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 59;
[0080] FIG. 64 is a front elevational view of the electrical
connector connected to the support of FIG. 59; and
[0081] FIG. 65 is a bottom plan view of the electrical connector
connected to the support of FIG. 59.
[0082] Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be
understood to refer to like parts, components and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0083] A grounding electrical connector in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown in FIGS.
1-65. The electrical connector is preferably unitarily formed as a
single member and is made of a conductive material. The electrical
connector is adapted to receive various conductor sizes and to be
connected to supports having varying thicknesses.
[0084] A grounding electrical connector 11 in accordance with a
first exemplary embodiment of the present invention connects a
ground conductor 12 to a support 13, as shown in FIGS. 7-11. For
example, the electrical connector can be used to connect an
equipment ground conductor to a solar photovoltaic (PV) module
frame or module mounting structure.
[0085] The electrical connector 11 includes a base member 14, as
shown in FIGS. 1-6, and has an upper surface 15 and a lower surface
16. A resilient channel member 17 is connected to the upper surface
15 of the base member and has a plurality of channels 18 extending
between first and second opposite sides 21 and 22 of the base
member 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the channel member 17 has
three channels 18, 19 and 20, although the channel member may have
any suitable number of channels. The channel member 17 preferably
does not extend the entire length of the upper surface 15 between
the first and second sides 21 and 22, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown
in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the electrical connector 11 is preferably
substantially U-shaped.
[0086] A first leg 23 extends outwardly from the first side 21 of
the base member 14. Preferably the first leg 23 is substantially
perpendicular to the base member 14, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The
first leg 23 has first and second opposite sides 24 and 25. A first
recess 26 extends inwardly from the first side 24 of the first leg
23. A second recess 27 extends inwardly from the second side 25 of
the first leg 23. The second recess 27 is preferably disposed
between the first recess 26 and the base member 14.
[0087] Upper and lower flexible tabs 28 and 29 extend outwardly and
toward one another from opposite sides 30 and 31 of the first
recess 26, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The distance between the free
ends of the flexible tabs 28 and 29 decreases inwardly in a
direction away from the first side 21 to facilitate receiving the
support 13 therein.
[0088] Upper and lower flexible tabs 47 and 48 extend outwardly and
toward one another from opposite sides 50 and 51 of the second
recess 27, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The distance between the free
ends of the flexible tabs 47 and 48 decreases inwardly to
facilitate receiving the support 13 therein.
[0089] A plurality of pairs of grooves are formed in the free ends
of the flexible tabs 47 and 48, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, to
facilitate receiving the conductor 12 therebetween. A first pair of
grooves 32 and 33 is disposed proximal the closed end of the second
recess 27. A second pair of grooves 34 and 35 is disposed adjacent
the first pair of grooves 32 and 33. A third pair of grooves 36 and
37 is disposed proximal the open end of the second recess 27. The
groove sizes are different to facilitate receiving different
conductor sizes. As shown in FIG. 2, the grooves increase in size
from the first pair to the third pair. For example, the first pair
of grooves 32 and 33 is sized to receive a 10 AWG conductor, the
second pair of grooves 34 and 35 is sized to receive an 8 AWG
conductor, and the third pair of grooves 36 and 37 is sized to
receive a 6 AWG conductor. Accordingly, the different groove sizes
facilitates receiving different conductor sizes. Any suitable
combination and orientation of grooves can be used based on
conductor sizes to be received by the grounding electrical
connector 11.
[0090] A second leg 38 is substantially similar to the first leg 23
and extends outwardly from the second side 22 of the base member
14. Preferably the second leg 38 is substantially perpendicular to
the base member 14, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The second leg 38
has first and second opposite sides 39 and 40. A first recess 41
extends inwardly from the first side 39 of the second leg 38, and
is aligned with the first recess 26 in the first leg 23. A second
recess 42 extends inwardly from the second side 40 of the second
leg 38, and is aligned with the second recess 27 in the first leg
23. The second recess 42 is preferably disposed between the first
recess 41 of the second leg 38 and the base member 14.
[0091] Upper and lower flexible tabs 43 and 44 extend outwardly and
toward one another from opposite sides 45 and 46 of the first
recess 41, as shown in FIG. 1. The distance between the free ends
of the flexible tabs 43 and 44 decreases inwardly to facilitate
receiving the support 13 therein.
[0092] Upper and lower flexible tabs 52 and 53 extend outwardly and
toward one another from opposite sides 54 and 55 of the second
recess 42, as shown in FIG. 1. The distance between the free ends
of the flexible tabs 43 and 44 decreases inwardly to facilitate
receiving the support 13 therein.
[0093] A plurality of pairs of grooves are formed in the free ends
of the flexible tabs 52 and 53, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, to
facilitate receiving the conductor 12 therebetween. A first pair of
grooves 56 and 57 is disposed proximal the closed end of the second
recess 42. A second pair of grooves 58 and 59 is disposed adjacent
the first pair of grooves 56 and 57. A third pair of grooves 60 and
61 is disposed proximal the open end of the second recess 42. The
groove sizes are different to facilitate receiving different
conductor sizes. As shown in FIG. 11, the grooves increase in size
from the first pair to the third pair. For example, the first pair
of grooves 56 and 57 is sized to receive a 10 AWG conductor, the
second pair of grooves 58 and 59 is sized to receive an 8 AWG
conductor, and the third pair of grooves 60 and 61 is sized to
receive a 6 AWG conductor. Accordingly, the different groove sizes
facilitate receiving different conductor sizes. Any suitable
combination and orientation of grooves can be used based on
conductor sizes to be received by the grounding electrical
connector 11.
[0094] The channel member 17 is connected to an upper surface 15 of
the base member 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5. Preferably, a rear
wall 66 connects the channel member 17 to the base member 14,
thereby providing flexibility to the channel member 17 such that
the channel member 17 extends from a fixed end 67 connected to the
rear wall to a free end 68 spaced from the rear wall 66. The
channels 18, 19 and 20 extend from a first side 62 to a second side
63 of the channel member 17, as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the
first side 62 is spaced inwardly from the first leg 23 and the
second side 63 is spaced inwardly from the second leg 38, as shown
in FIGS. 3 and 4. A lower surface 64 of the channel member 17 is
spaced upwardly from the base member 14, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
A recess 65 is formed in the base member 14 corresponding to the
channel member 17. The free front end 66 of the channel member 17
is resilient such that various diameter conductors can be quickly
and easily inserted in the second recesses 27 and 42 of the first
and second legs 23 and 38 and securely held therein by the flexible
tabs pressing against the inserted conductor.
[0095] The grounding electrical connector 11 is preferably
unitarily formed as a single member and is made of a conductive
material, such as stainless steel. The grounding electrical
connector 11 can be stamped out of a single piece of conductive
material.
Assembly and Operation
[0096] As shown in FIGS. 7-11, an electrical connector 11 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
connected to the support 13, such as a solar PV module frame or
module mounting structure. The electrical connector 11 receives the
conductor 12, such as an equipment ground conductor, to
mechanically and electrically connect the conductor 12 to the
support 13.
[0097] The first recesses 26 and 41 in the first and second legs 23
and 38 receive a substantially planar member 69 of the support 13.
The decreased distance between the first ends of the flexible tabs
28 and 29 of the first leg 23 and the flexible tabs 43 and 44 of
the second leg 38 facilitate inserting the planar member 69 in the
first recesses 26 and 41. The flexible tabs extend toward one
another such that movement of the electrical connector 11 causes
the flexible tabs to tighten their grip on the planar member 69.
The flexibility of the tabs facilitates connecting the electrical
connector 11 to supports having various thicknesses.
[0098] The second recesses 27 and 42 in the first and second legs
23 and 38 receive the conductor 12. The decreased distance between
the first ends of the flexible tabs 47 and 48 of the first leg 23
and the flexible tabs 52 and 53 of the second leg 38 facilitate
inserting the conductor 12 in the second recesses 27 and 42. The
flexible tabs extend toward one another such that movement of the
conductor 12 causes the flexible tabs to tighten their grip on the
conductor 13.
[0099] The oppositely disposed pairs of grooves in the flexible
tabs of the second recesses 27 and 42 have different sizes to
accommodate various conductor sizes. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11,
three pairs of grooves are shown sized to receive 6, 8 and 10 AWG
conductors. The channels 18, 19 and 20 in the channel member 17
have sizes corresponding to the pair of grooves between which the
channels extend, thereby facilitating receiving the conductor 12.
The free end 68 of the channel member 17 facilitates flexing of the
channel member 17 to more easily receive the inserted conductor 12
and to increase conductive surface area contact between the
conductor 12 and the connector 11.
Second Exemplary Embodiment
[0100] A grounding electrical connector 111 in accordance with a
second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 12-17. The electrical connector 111 is shown connected to a
support 113 and receiving a ground conductor 112 in FIGS. 18-24.
The electrical connector 111 is substantially similar to the
electrical connector 11 of the first exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-11. Similar features are indicated with the same reference
numeral, except in the 100 series, e.g., 1xx.
[0101] The electrical connector 111 includes third and fourth legs
171 and 172 that extend inwardly from ends of the first and second
legs 123 and 138, as shown in FIGS. 12-17. The third and fourth
legs 171 and 172 are substantially planar to the base member 114
from which the first and second legs 123 and 138 extend,
respectively. The third and fourth legs 171 and 172 are preferably
substantially perpendicular to the first and second legs 123 and
138.
[0102] A recess or gap 173 is formed between free ends 174 and 175
of the third and fourth legs 171 and 172, as shown in FIGS. 12 and
13. The gap 173 tapers or narrows from a first end 176 to a second
end 177 of the gap. The gap 173 receives the substantially planar
member 169 of the support 113, as shown in FIGS. 18-24. Inserting
the planar member 169 of the support 113 in the gap 173 between the
third and fourth legs 171 and 172 of the electrical connector 111
causes the conductor 112 to be more tightly gripped.
Third Exemplary Embodiment
[0103] A grounding electrical connector 211 in accordance with a
third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 25-30. The electrical connector 211 is shown connected to a
support 213 and receiving a ground conductor 212 in FIGS. 31-37.
The electrical connector 211 is substantially similar to the
electrical connector 11 of the first exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-11. Similar features are indicated with the same reference
numeral, except in the 200 series, e.g., 2xx.
[0104] The electrical connector 211 includes third and fourth legs
271 and 272 that extend inwardly from ends of the first and second
legs 223 and 238, as shown in FIGS. 25, 27 and 29. The third and
fourth legs 271 and 272 are substantially planar to the base member
214 from which the first and second legs 223 and 238 extend,
respectively. The third and fourth legs 271 and 272 are preferably
substantially perpendicular to the first and second legs 223 and
238.
[0105] Fifth and sixth legs 273 and 274 extend downwardly toward
the base member 214 from the third and fourth legs 271 and 272, as
shown in FIGS. 25, 27 and 29. The fifth and sixth legs 273 and 274
are preferably substantially parallel to the first and second legs
223 and 238.
[0106] Upper openings 275 and 276 in the fifth and sixth legs 273
and 274 are aligned with the openings 226 and 241 in the first and
second legs 223 and 238 to receive the substantially planar member
269 of the support 213, as shown in FIGS. 31-37. The upper openings
275 and 276 extend forwardly from a rear end of the fifth and sixth
legs 273 and 274.
[0107] Lower openings 277 and 278 in the fifth and sixth legs 273
and 274 are aligned with the openings 227 and 242 in the first and
second legs 223 and 238 to receive the conductor 212, as shown in
FIGS. 31-37. The lower openings 277 and 278 extend rearwardly from
a front end of the fifth and sixth legs 273 and 274. A plurality of
grooves are formed in the lower openings 277 and 278 that
correspond to the grooves formed in the openings 227 and 242 to
accommodate various conductor sizes. Accordingly, each of the
grooves in the lower openings 277 and 278 is a different size.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 30, the base member 214 is preferably a
substantially planar and continuous member. The lower openings 277
and 278 in the fifth and sixth legs 273 and 274 support the
conductor 212 such that a channel member 17 (FIG. 1) is not
required. The free ends of the fifth and sixth legs 273 and 274 are
preferably spaced above the base member 214, as shown in FIGS. 27
and 29. The fifth and sixth legs 273 and 274 provide additional
openings to receive the planar support member 269 and the conductor
212, thereby improving the retention and electrical connection of
the grounding electrical connector 211.
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment
[0109] A grounding electrical connector 311 in accordance with a
fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 38-44. The electrical connector 311 is shown connected to a
support 313 and receiving a ground conductor 312 in FIGS. 45-51.
The electrical connector 311 is substantially similar to the
electrical connector 211 of the third exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 25-37. Similar features are indicated with the same reference
numeral, except in the 300 series, e.g., 3xx.
[0110] Tabs 379 and 380 extend from free ends of the fifth and
sixth legs 373 and 374 toward the first and second legs 323 and
338, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 38, 39, 41 and 43. A plurality
of grooves 381 are formed in the free ends of the fifth and sixth
legs 373 and 374, corresponding to the grooves in the openings 327
and 342 in the first and second legs 323 and 338, to facilitate
receiving different diameter conductors. The tabs 379 and 380
facilitate retaining the conductor 312 and creating an electrical
connection thereto.
Fifth Exemplary Embodiment
[0111] A grounding electrical connector 411 in accordance with a
fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 52-58. The electrical connector 411 is shown connected to a
support 413 and receiving a ground conductor 412 in FIGS. 59-65.
The electrical connector 411 is substantially similar to the
electrical connector 11 of the first exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-11. Similar features are indicated with the same reference
numeral, except in the 400 series, e.g., 4xx.
[0112] The electrical connector 411 is preferably made from a
rectangular tube. The electrical connector 411 has an upper planar
member 491 substantially parallel to the base member 414, as shown
in FIGS. 52, 55 and 57. The upper planar member 491 extends between
the first and second legs 323 and 338. Manufacturing the electrical
connector 411 from a tube provides rigidity to the resulting
electrical connector, in addition to providing manufacturing
options.
[0113] The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely
exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the
present invention. The description of exemplary embodiments of the
present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit
the scope of the present invention. Various modifications,
alternatives and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art, and are intended to fall within the scope of the
invention as defined in the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *